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Senior Citizen Party-list Rep. Rodolfo "Ompong" Ordanes is calling on authorities to ensure that elderly persons deprived of liberty (PDL) get their due seniors' pension and benefits.

"I appeal to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to work with the Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on making sure elderly [PDLs] are also among those who receive the senior citizens benefits," Ordanes said in a statement Monday, Dec. 23.

"Our laws on senior citizens welfare do not distinguish nor discriminate against elderly PDLs. But because elderly PDLs are out of sight, it would not be surprising that they are out of mind when it comes to aid programs and benefits," he noted.

Ordanes, chairman of the House Committee on Senior Citizens, went on to give specific appeals to government officials.

"I specifically appeal to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla to please issue the necessary directives to include all senior citizens in the indigent seniors’ pension program. and to register all of them with PhilHealth," he said.

PhilHealth, or the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, is the state health insurer. It is under the auspices of the Department of Health (DOH).

Ordanes further said that the elderly in local jails can qualify for local government unit (LGU) allowances to seniors because their LGUs can be ascertained and will be near the jails where they are.

"The indigent seniors’ pension and LGU allowances would be of great help to the PDLs and their families, considering their meager allowances from BJMP and BuCor," he further said.